Rainy Day Hike: Heather Lake

Is it wonder that you seek? Can you survive the five "perils" of the forest? This, then, is your quest...

Waterfalls

When rainy season hits in the Pacific Northwest, it hits. Why? We live between the mountains and the sea. Perfect, right? The moisture from the sea evaporates and hits the Cascades, creating a "rain shadow."

I've read that the base of Mount Pilchuck (where Heather Lake sits in a basin), gets more annual rainfall than even the rainforests on the Olympic Peninsula.

So, to hike the Heather Lake trail November-January is to essentially be climbing up almost consistent running water, as well as hopping puddles. There's really no way around getting your feet soaked and it will put even the most high-tech waterproof boots, socks, and garters to the test.

If you're like me and you like type 2 fun, this is a fantastic thing, a hurdle to be endured with the hope of a hot bath upon your return to the city. If you're not into getting your feet wet and cold, you probably want to sit this one out.

Darkness

Remember that rain shadow? The low light of November-December is dimmed even further by low-hanging clouds and mist. It's the feeling of stepping into a mythical forest.

Which brings us to:

Fog

With low visibility in the mossy forest, and dense tree cover, you can feel a bit disoriented, even while on the safe, clearly-marked trajectory of the hiking path. It's a real "Twin Peaks" eeriness, which, if you ask me, is most desirable. Get that creepy fog vibe.

Snow

Okay, I guess we're really just talking about different varieties of cold, damp weather here. Yet snow represents its own challenge because it's slippery and compacts to make for rough going. You can also "posthole" when your footfall punctures a thin layer of snow and suddenly you're up to your thigh in frozen water. Check the forecast and trail reports before you go. You may want to pack micro spikes or yak tracks to give you additional grip at higher elevations.

Hunger

Pack a lunch. You'll definitely work up an appetite climbing uphill in the cold and wet. It's recommended to bring a portable camping stove so that you can enjoy a hot meal or beverage at the midpoint of your journey. A lakeside meal will give you the strength necessary to complete the task at hand: namely, hiking downhill to return to your car and crank up the heater.

Or, wait until you reach Granite Falls on your way back and stop for a hot meal.

Now, the payoff...

It's totally worth it. Stroll the boardwalk that encircles the lake to witness this alpine body of water from all angles. Check out the giant mountainside boulders covered in lichen, the waterfalls, the snowy peaks of Mount Pilchuck looming straight up out of the lake. This is all worth it. The cold feet, the rain, the darkness... everything.

Take your time and soak it in, discomfort and all. The natural beauty of the PNW in winter is that it's elusive, harder to access, and maybe more than slightly uncomfortable, but one hundred percent worth your time and effort.

Enjoy! And be sure to share your photos with us by tagging @seattlenorthcountry on the socials.